Stock News: Arabtec Plunges Again, Drags Dubai Down Further

Dubai’s bourse dropped sharply minutes after opening on Monday as shares in builder Arabtec plunged for a second day in a row.

Arabtec tumbled its 10 per cent daily limit while the Dubai index dropped 3.9 per cent. Developer Union Properties fell 8.1 per cent and bourse operator Dubai Financial Market was down 6.1 per cent.

Shares in Arabtec, which dominates trading in the emirate, plunged on Sunday after Aabar Investments, a key shareholder, did not confirm a media report which said Aabar planned to raise its stake. In a brief statement, Aabar said it was considering its options towards Arabtec but did not elaborate.

Arabtec said on Monday morning that its board would meet on Thursday afternoon to review its second-quarter earnings statement and other reports and recommendations, but did not give any details.

Abu Dhabi’s bourse was also weak, edging down 0.7 per cent in early trade. Top real estate developer Aldar Properties sank eight per cent.